KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Jenna Stayart's 50th-minute goal proved decisive as second-ranked Tennessee earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Georgia Southern before 4,040 fans at Regal Soccer Stadium on Sunday afternoon, extending the Volunteers' unbeaten streak to seven matches.
The sophomore forward broke a scoreless deadlock five minutes into the second half, converting a well-crafted team move that began with Leah Klurman's precise pass and culminated with Ally Brown's pinpoint cross finding Stayart in the penalty area.
Tactical Battle Unfolds
Tennessee controlled the tempo throughout the 90 minutes but faced a disciplined Georgia Southern defense that frustrated the nation's second-ranked team for the majority of the contest. The Eagles employed a compact 4-5-1 formation designed to limit space in dangerous areas, forcing the Volunteers to be patient in their build-up play.
The breakthrough finally arrived when Tennessee's persistence paid dividends. Klurman, operating from deep in midfield, threaded a pass to Brown on the right flank. The senior's first-time cross picked out Stayart's run perfectly, and the forward's composed finish left Georgia Southern goalkeeper Katie Oakley with no chance.
Statistical Dominance
Tennessee's superiority was evident across multiple statistical categories:
- Total Shots: Tennessee 14, Georgia Southern 4
- Shots on Target: Tennessee 6, Georgia Southern 2
- Corner Kicks: Tennessee 8, Georgia Southern 1
- Fouls Committed: Tennessee 7, Georgia Southern 8
The Volunteers generated consistent pressure throughout both halves, with their midfield trio of Stayart, Luciana Latino, and Mac Midgley controlling possession and creating opportunities for their attacking teammates.
Goalkeeping Contrast
Tennessee goalkeeper Ally Zazzara enjoyed a relatively quiet afternoon, making two routine saves to secure her clean sheet. The junior's distribution was particularly effective, helping initiate several attacking sequences with accurate throws and goal kicks.
Georgia Southern's Oakley faced far greater pressure, producing five saves to keep her team competitive. The Eagles' shot-stopper made particularly impressive stops to deny attempts from Latino, Midgley, and second-half substitute Skylar Miller as Tennessee pushed for additional goals.
Key Performances
Jenna Stayart proved the difference-maker with her clinical finish, adding to her growing reputation as one of the nation's most promising young forwards. The goal marked her fourth of the season and came during a 47-minute performance before being substituted.
Leah Klurman anchored Tennessee's midfield for the full 90 minutes, consistently finding space between Georgia Southern's lines and providing the assist that led to the match's only goal. Her vision and passing range were crucial to the Volunteers' patient approach.
Ally Brown contributed both defensively and in attack, capping her complete performance with the secondary assist on Stayart's goal. The senior's work rate and tactical awareness exemplified Tennessee's team-first mentality.
For Georgia Southern, Katie Oakley stood out with her goalkeeping performance, while center backs Libby Wooffindin and Olivia Golden battled admirably against Tennessee's attacking pressure throughout the contest.
Tactical Adjustments
Tennessee head coach utilized the full depth of his squad, making strategic substitutions to maintain pressure in the final third. The introduction of Miller, Anaiyah Robinson, and Bella Smith provided fresh energy as the Volunteers sought to extend their lead.
Georgia Southern's defensive discipline was evident through the performances of defensive midfielder Maya Zmistowski and striker Caitlin Conroy, who led the Eagles' limited attacking opportunities with two shots during her 43-minute appearance.
Clean Competition
The match was played in excellent spirit, with referee Amin Hadzic not issuing a single yellow or red card throughout the 90 minutes. Both teams maintained their focus on the tactical battle while displaying exemplary sportsmanship under perfect September conditions.
Season Implications
The victory improves Tennessee to 6-0-1 on the season, reinforcing their position among the nation's elite programs as they continue their pursuit of a national championship. The Volunteers have now recorded five clean sheets in their last six matches, highlighting the defensive foundation that underpins their success.
Georgia Southern falls to 2-5-0 but demonstrated their ability to compete against top-tier opposition. The Eagles' defensive organization and commitment throughout the match provides a positive foundation as they return to Sun Belt Conference play.
Looking Forward
Tennessee's unbeaten start positions them favorably for the remainder of their non-conference schedule and eventual SEC competition. The combination of tactical flexibility, squad depth, and clinical finishing when opportunities arise continues to mark the Volunteers as genuine contenders for postseason honors.
The Volunteers' next challenge will test their ability to maintain this high standard, while Georgia Southern will aim to build on the defensive solidity they displayed against one of the nation's best teams.
MATCH DETAILS
- Final Score: Tennessee 1, Georgia Southern 0
- Goalscorer: Jenna Stayart 50' (Leah Klurman, Ally Brown)
- Date: September 7, 2025
- Venue: Regal Soccer Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee
- Attendance: 4,040
- Weather: 72°F, partly cloudy conditions